Assuming Howard signs what would be our starting 11 for the first game? Its a tough choice with Walton and Murray both fighting for same roles along with Monkehouse / Franks / James

I would go with

Flinders
Horwood
Hartley
Baldwin
Austin

Monkehouse
Walton / Murray
Sweeney
Franks

Poole
Howard

With James to come on for either Poole or Monkehouse last 20 minutes and play either murray first half and when tiring bring on Walton.

Looking at our squad and potential line up we are in a stronger position than last year.

I think you're forgetting Sir Ritchie can play in at least four of those outfield positions!

Bit more seriously - there's only one ballwinner in your midfield. I think Walton and Murray will start games together - and hopefully the new lad's distribution is tons better than Gary Liddle's. The way Lids played last season it could hardly be worse.

The only time Walton and Murray will start together is if we play three in midfield, maybe away from home, or later in games to protect points. Cooper has stated since he returned to the club that he wants to play 4-4-2 with wingers, Walton and Murray would play the same role in a 4-4-2 but you'd hope and think Walton at 24 can about the pitch more and be more effective in both halves. Murray will be used as an insurance policy seeing out games that we're winning or to come on and bolster a struggling midfield. A role at his age that will suit him very well. Also Cooper has stated he doesn't see Monkhouse as a winger, so I'm guessing we'll sign a left winger so the first choice midfield I reckon is pretty nailed on to be;

Franks Sweeney Walton New Signing.

James has to start imo.

I think James will be rotated with Poole. I would be looking to use him a bit more carefully, so as not to burn him out too soon. He'll still get plenty of game time though.